I visited a welcoming village near Shrewsbury that proves small places can have the biggest community spirit
It may lack a high street, public transport options past 6pm or a takeaway, but Hanwood’s community spirit more than fills the gaps for those who call it home.
The village of Hanwood is the kind of place you pass through without ever really seeing.
A ribbon development, the village stretches narrowly along the A488 for around a mile, sitting quietly on the busy road between the bustle of Shrewsbury and the open countryside of south Shropshire.
Those travelling from the county town out towards the stunning landscapes of the Welsh border might recall their journey through nearby Pontesbury or Minsterley, but could be forgiven for overlooking Hanwood.
That's not to say the village is entirely without services: there's a primary school, a well-stocked shop and post office, a village hall and a pub that has fairly recently been taken over by the local community.
There may not be a high street to speak of, the train station closed in 1960, the bus service doesn't run after 6pm and you won't find a local takeaway - but what it's missing in services, Hanwood makes up for in charm and community spirit.
